Buckle assembly

Abstract

A buckle assembly includes a latch having a first mating member, a buckle frame, and a lever rotatably secured to the buckle frame. The buckle frame is configured to mate with the latch. The lever includes a second mating member configured to mate with the first mating member in order to secure the latch to the buckle frame in a secured position. The lever is configured to be rotated from the secured position to unlatch the latch from the lever.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to buckle assemblies, and more particularly, to durable buckle assemblies that are easy to operate. Embodiments of the present invention may be particularly suited for buckle assemblies used in military applications, but can find use in other suitable applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Traditionally, the military has used certain buckle assemblies that may not be ideal for particular situations. For example, the buckles may be attached to large items that are airdropped during a particular operation. Typical plastic buckles are susceptible to smashing upon impact. Moreover, other types of buckles are susceptible to prematurely opening.

[0003] Thus, a need exists for a robust, durable and easy-to-operate buckle assembly. That is, while a need exists for a buckle assembly that is strong, durable, and reliable, a user should be able to open and close the buckle assembly with relative ease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a buckle assembly including a latch, a buckle frame, and a spring-biased lever that maintains a connection between the latch and the buckle frame. The latch may include a first mating member, such as a retaining opening or window, and a first strap-engaging member configured to receive and retain a first strap end. The buckle frame may include a base integrally formed with sidewalls configured to protect the latch in a secured position in which the latch is secured to the buckle frame, and a second strap-engaging member configured to receive and retain a second strap end.

[0005] The lever may be rotatably secured to the buckle frame. The lever is spring-biased into the secured position. The lever may be rotated into an unlatched position in which the latch disengages from the buckle frame.

[0006] The lever may include a second mating member, such as a protrusion or opening, configured to mate with the first mating member in order to secure the latch to the buckle frame in the secured position. The lever may also include a pin housing integrally formed with an actuation handle, a spring-biased pin operatively associated with the pin housing, and surfaces or protrusions configured to abut a portion of the latch when a force is exerted into the lever. The abutment of the surfaces into the portion of the latch provides an additional retention feature that prevents the latch from inadvertently dislodging from the buckle frame.

[0007] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a buckle frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a latch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a lever according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a buckle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a latch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a latch according to an embodiment of present invention.

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a lever according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric exploded view of a buckle frame and lever according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric exploded view of a biasing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an internal cut-away view of a lever secured within a buckle frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of a buckle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a buckle frame 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The buckle frame 10 includes a base 12 integrally formed with sidewalls 14. Latch-covering ledges 16 are integrally formed with the sidewalls 14 at a latch-receiving end 18 of the buckle frame 10. The buckle frame 10 is configured to securably mate with a latch (not shown in FIG. 1) through the latch-receiving end 18.

[0021] Pin-retaining openings or channels 20 are formed through the sidewalls 14 proximate a mid-section 22 of the buckle frame 10. The pin-retaining channels 20 are configured to cooperatively receive and rotatably retain a spring-biased pin (not shown in FIG. 1) operatively connected to a lever (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0022] Web channels 24 are formed through the base 12 proximate a web-retaining end 26 of the buckle frame 10. The web channels 24 are configured to receive and retain a web or strap (not shown).

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a latch 28 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The latch 28 includes a frame-mating beam 30 integrally formed with a web-retaining panel 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the web-retaining panel 32 may be wider than the frame-mating beam 30, thereby forming frame-abutting edges 34. When fully mated with the buckle frame 10 (shown in FIG. 1), the frame-abutting edges 34 may abut against edges of the sidewalls 14 (shown in FIG. 1) of the buckle frame 10. The abutting relationship between the frame-abutting edges 34 and the edges of the sidewalls 14 acts to prevent the latch 28 from being over-inserted into the buckle frame 10.

[0024] The frame-mating beam 30 includes a lever-retaining window 36 that is configured to receive and latchably retain a lobe or other such protuberance (not shown in FIG. 2) of a lever (not shown in FIG. 2). The web-retaining panel 32 includes web channels 38 that are configured to receive and retain a web or strap (not shown).

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a lever 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lever 40 includes a tube or housing 42 integrally formed with an actuation tab 44. A channel 46 is formed through the tube 42 and is configured to receive and retain a spring-biased pin (not shown) that secures the lever 40 between the sidewalls 14 (shown in FIG. 1) of the buckle frame 10 (shown in FIG. 1) through the pin-retaining channels 20 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0026] A lobe 48 or other such protuberance is distally located from the actuation tab 44 and extends outwardly from the tube 42. The lobe 48 is configured to be latchably retained within the lever-retaining window 36 (shown in FIG. 2) of the latch 28 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0027] A hole 50 or slot may be formed through the actuation tab 44. A string or webbing or other suitable device (not shown) may be secured within the hole 50. The string may be pulled to rotate the lever 40 into an unlatched position.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a buckle assembly 52 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The buckle assembly 52 includes the lever 40 retained between the sidewalls 14 through an internal spring-biased member (not shown) retained by the pin retention channels 20. In the latched position, the lobe 48 (shown in FIG. 3) is retained within the lever-retaining window 36 (shown in FIG. 2) of the latch 28. The lever 40 may be caused to rotate around a pin (not shown in FIG. 4) or rotate with the pin upon movement of the lever. The spring-biased member within the lever 40 ensures that the lever 40 remains secured to the latch 28 until such time as the spring force is overcome to allow the separation of the assembly.

[0029] In order to unlatch the buckle assembly 52, the actuation tab 44 (see FIG. 3) is urged in the direction of arrow A either by a user directly engaging the actuation tab 44, or by a user pulling on a string secured to the actuation tab 44 through, for example, hole 50 (see FIG. 3). That is, the lever 40 is rotated against the force exerted by the spring force provided within the lever 40. As the actuation tab 44 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the lobe 48 is dislodged from the lever-retaining window 36. Thus, the latch 28 may be removed from the buckle frame 10.

[0030] When the actuation tab 44 is disengaged, the force exerted by the spring within the lever 40 returns the lever 40 to the position shown in FIG. 4. The latch 28 may then be mated into the latch-retaining end 18 of the buckle frame 10 in the direction of arrow B. As the latch 28 encounters the lever 40, the frame-mating beam 30 (see FIG. 2) moves into the lobe 48 (shown in FIG. 3) and moves the lever 40 in the direction of arrow A. During this movement, the lobe 48 slides over the top surface of the frame-mating beam 30 until it encounters the lever-retaining window 36 (shown in FIG. 2). The lobe 48 then moves into the lever-retaining window 36, which securely retains the lobe 48 therein.

[0031] The sidewalls 14 protect against unintended engagement. That is, the sidewalls 14 provide a barrier that prevents unintentional lateral forces engaging the lever 40 or the latch 28. Further, sidewalls 14 and the ledges 16 prevent the latch 28 and lever 40 from being damaged while the latch 28 is secured within the buckle frame 10.

[0032] The buckle frame 10, the latch 28, and the lever 40 may be formed of metal, in order to provide strength over plastic alternatives. For example, the buckle assembly 52 may be formed of carbon steel, die cast steel and/or aluminum. Additionally, the buckle frame assembly 52 may be easily moved between latched and unlatched positions through the lever 40.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a latch 54 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The latch 54 includes a frame-mating beam 56 rotatably connected to a strap-adjustment base 58. The frame-mating beam 56 includes a lobe-retaining window 59 formed proximate a mating end 60 and a rolled beam 62 rotatably secured around a crossbar 64 of the strap-adjustment base 58. The strap-adjustment base 58 may be formed of molded plastic or other suitable material. The latch 54 may be used with the buckle assembly 52 (shown in FIG. 4) instead of the latch 28.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a latch 66 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The latch 66 includes a frame-mating beam 68 rotatably connected to a strap-adjustment member 70. The strap-adjustment member 70 may be a stamped piece of metal. The latch 66 may be used with the buckle assembly 52 (shown in FIG. 4) instead of the latch 28.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a lever 72 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lever 72 includes a pin housing 74 integrally formed with an actuation handle 76. The pin housing 74 includes a pin passage 78 configured to receive and retain a pin (not shown). A lobe 80, or other such protuberance, outwardly extends from the pin housing 74. The actuation handle 76 includes an arch-shaped engagement cavity 82 that is configured to allow a user to engage the actuation handle 76 with a finger or thumb.

[0036] The lobe 80 is configured to be latchably retained by a lever-retaining window of a latch. Additionally, the pin housing 74 includes flat latch interface surfaces 84 on either side of the lobe 80. The latch interface surfaces 84 are configured to abut against surfaces of a frame-mating beam (such as the frame-mating beam 30 shown in FIG. 2) positioned on either side of a lever-retaining window (such as the lever-retaining window 36 shown in FIG. 2). When the lever 72 is initially engaged to unlatch a latch from a buckle frame, the latch interface surfaces 84 are compressed into the frame-mating beam, thereby providing an additional retention feature that prevents the latch from inadvertently dislodging from the buckle frame. The force exerted by the latch interface surfaces 84 increases as an unlatching force increases. However, the lever 72 is configured so that an unlatching force exerted by a user overcomes the compressive force exerted by the latch interface surfaces 84 into the frame-mating beam in order to desirably unlatch the latch from the lever 72.

[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric exploded view of a buckle frame 86 and the lever 72 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In order to assemble the lever 72 to the buckle frame 86, a portion of the spring 98 is preferably first placed within pin passage 78. Thereafter, the lever 72 and spring 98 are positioned over the base 88, and between the sidewalls 90 of the buckle frame 86 so that the pin passage 78 is aligned with the pin-retaining channels 92. A pin 94 is then passed through an opening 99 in the spring, a pin-retaining channel 92, into the pin housing 74 of the lever 72 through the pin passage 78, and out the other pin-retaining channel 92.

[0038] The spring 98 may be a coiled spring having an elongated loop 100. The elongated loop 100 includes an end that is configured to hook around the sidewall 90 of the buckle frame 86. The spring 98 includes another end that is strategically placed within lever 72. The spring 98 is configured to move about or with the pin 94. The spring 98 is further configured and adapted to engage both the lever 72 and frame 86 to thereby bias the lever 72 in relation to the frame 86. The spring 98 and the pin 94 cooperate to form a biasing member that spring biases the lever 72.

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric exploded view of a biasing member 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The biasing member 102 includes a pin 104 (that can be slotted) and a spring 106. The spring 106 includes a straightened end 108 that is configured to abut against, or within, a base of a buckle frame.

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates an internal cut-away view of the lever 72 secured within a buckle frame 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The spring 106 and pin 104 are shown within the lever 72. As shown in FIG. 10, the straightened end 108 of the spring 106 is retained within a notch or cavity 112 formed between the base 114 and a sidewall 116 of the buckle frame 110. The notch 112 covers the straightened end 108 or tail of the spring 106, thereby removing the end 108 from the area of latch travel. Thus, the notch 112 acts to prevent damage to the spring 106 and the latch (not shown in FIG. 10) by ensuring that the latch does not undesirably engage the spring 106.

[0041] Additionally, free rotation of the spring 106 is prevented due to the straightened end 108 of the spring 106 being securely retained within the notch 112. That is, the notch 112 acts to anchor the straightened end 108 in place. Thus, the biasing member 102 exerts a constant closing force into the lever 72.

[0042] FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of a buckle assembly 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The buckle assembly 120 includes a latch member 122 that is retained within a buckle frame 124 by a lever 126, similar to the embodiments discussed above. The lever 126 is secured to the buckle frame 124 by a pin 130 and spring. As shown in FIG. 11, a straightened end 128 or tail of the spring securely hooks around, or to, an outer surface of a sidewall 132 of the buckle frame 124. Thus, the straightened end 128 is not within the travel path of the latch member 122 within the buckle frame 124. The other end of the spring is positioned within the lever 126 to operatively provide the desired spring force to the lever 126 in relation to the frame 124.

[0043] As mentioned above, the components of the buckle assemblies may be formed of various metals, plastics, and other such materials. Additionally, a hinged cover may be positioned over a portion of the lever to prevent accidental engagement of the lever. Further, while the lever is shown as a separate and distinct component, the lever may alternatively be integrally formed with the buckle frame. Additionally, while the latch is shown and described having a lever-retaining window, and the lever includes a protrusion that is retained within the window, the latch may include the protrusion while the lever may include a window or cavity that retains the protrusion.

[0044] Thus, as discussed above, and shown in the figures, embodiments of the present invention provide a robust, durable and easy-to-operate buckle assembly.

[0045] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0046] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A buckle assembly comprising: a latch comprising a first mating member; a buckle frame configured to mate with said latch; and a lever rotatably secured to said buckle frame, said lever comprising a second mating member configured to mate with said first mating member in order to secure said latch to said buckle frame in a secured position, said lever being configured to be rotated between the secured position and an unlatched position to unlatch said latch from said lever.

2. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein said first mating member is one of a lobe and an opening, and wherein said second mating member is the other of said lobe and said opening.

3. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein said buckle frame comprises at least one of sidewalls and ledges configured to protect said latch in the secured position.

4. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein said lever further comprises an actuation handle.

5. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein said lever further comprises a pin housing, a pin secured within said pin housing, and a spring surrounding said pin, said spring being configured and arranged to bias said lever in the secured position.

6. The buckle assembly of claim 5, wherein said spring has a tail that is secured to said buckle frame.

7. The buckle assembly of claim 5, wherein said spring has a portion that is engaged to and within said lever.

8. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein said lever further comprises flat latch surfaces configured to abut a portion of said latch when a force is exerted into said lever, wherein the abutment of said flat latch surfaces into said portion of said latch provides an additional retention feature that prevents said latch from inadvertently dislodging from said buckle frame.

9. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of said latch, buckle frame, and lever are made of metal.

10. A buckle assembly comprising: a latch comprising a first strap-engaging member configured to receive and retain a first strap end; a buckle frame configured to mate with said latch, said buckle frame including a base integrally formed with sidewalls configured to protect said latch in a secured position in which said latch is secured to said buckle frame, and a second strap-engaging member configured to receive and retain a second strap end; and a lever rotatably secured to said buckle frame, said lever being spring-biased into the secured position, and said lever being moveable between the secured position and an unlatched position in which said latch disengages from said buckle frame.

11. The buckle assembly of claim 10, wherein said latch further comprises a first mating member, and said lever comprises a second mating member configured to mate with said first mating member in order to secure said latch to said buckle frame in the secured position.

12. The buckle assembly of claim 11, wherein said first mating member is one of a lobe and an opening, and wherein said second mating member is the other of said lobe and said opening.

13. The buckle assembly of claim 10, wherein said buckle frame further comprises ledges extending from said side walls, said ledges being configured to protect said latch in the secured position.

14. The buckle assembly of claim 10, wherein said lever further comprises an actuation handle.

15. The buckle assembly of claim 10, wherein said lever further comprises a pin housing, a pin secured within said pin housing, and a spring, such that said spring biases said lever in the secured position.

16. The buckle assembly of claim 15, wherein said spring has a tail that is secured within said buckle frame.

17. The buckle assembly of claim 15, wherein said spring has a portion that is engaged to and within said lever.

18. The buckle assembly of claim 10, wherein said lever further comprises flat latch surfaces configured to abut a portion of said latch when a force is exerted into said lever, wherein the abutment of said flat latch surfaces into said portion of said latch provides an additional retention feature that prevents said latch from inadvertently dislodging from said buckle frame.

19. A buckle assembly comprising: a latch comprising a first mating member and a first strap-engaging member configured to receive and retain a first strap end; a buckle frame configured to mate with said latch, said buckle frame comprising: (i) a base integrally formed with side walls configured to protect said latch in a secured position in which said latch is secured to said buckle frame, and (ii) a second strap-engaging member configured to receive and retain a second strap end; and a lever rotatably secured to said buckle frame, said lever being spring-biased into the secured position, and said lever being moveable between the secured position and an unlatched position in which said latch disengages from said buckle frame, said lever comprising: (i) a second mating member configured to mate with said first mating member in order to secure said latch to said buckle frame in the secured position, (ii) a pin housing integrally formed with an actuation handle, (iii) a pin secured within said pin housing, (iv) a spring positioned around said pin, said spring adapted to provide a spring force to said lever that acts to maintain said lever in the secured position, and (v) surfaces configured to abut a portion of said latch when a force is exerted into said lever, wherein the abutment of said surfaces into said portion of said latch provides an additional retention feature that prevents said latch from inadvertently dislodging from said buckle frame.

20. The buckle assembly of claim 11, wherein said first mating member is one of a lobe and a retention window, and wherein said second mating member is the other of said lobe and said retention window.